Fork And Tongue Patents (Class 403/157)
  • Patent number: 6273632
    Abstract: A joint pin lock system or mechanism for a pivotal pin joint which connects one mechanical structural member between a pair of bracket portions of another mechanical structural member pivotally relative to each other by means of a joint pin passed through a connecting end portion of one mechanical structural member and the bracket portions of the other mechanical structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ei Takahashi, Ryohei Suzuki, Toshio Hasegawa, Hiroshige Kurosaka
  • Patent number: 6269593
    Abstract: A retrofit roof tie down that helps prevent the roof from separating from the gable end wall, having a fork and yoke to accommodate different roof pitches. The forks attach to pipe that holds down the roofing material and roof sheathing. A plate attaches to the gable wall securing the outside sheathing to the underlying rafter. A bolt fastens the yoke and plate together through the roof and an eye nut secures everything together. A cargo strap secures the eye to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Thomas Thompson
  • Patent number: 6213318
    Abstract: A crane has a boom with a rotatable boom section connection system. The crane has an upper works rotatably mounted on a lower works, the upper works including a load hoist winch. The boom comprises at least a first and second boom section each with a longitudinal axis and a first and second end, the second end of the first section being coupled to the first end of the second section. At least one male connector on the second end of the first section is coupled to a female connector on the first end of the second section. The male connector comprises a base and a protrusion, the base and protrusion each have an extension in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first boom section. The extensions and protrusion define a socket. The female connector comprises two protrusions spaced apart at a distance such that the protrusion of the male connector fits between the two protrusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Manitowoc Crane Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Walker
  • Patent number: 6209940
    Abstract: A system is provided for assembling laminar components in places with different access. The laminar components are provided with parallel projecting flanges and a clip for bringing these flanges together. The clip is configured as a channel which is provided at one end with a pin running between the flanges of the channel. The clip is inserted into an opening in the flange and serves as a pivot point for swinging the channel to the end position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Reiner Jocher, Frank Michalak, Walter Nuber
  • Patent number: 6138533
    Abstract: A wrench apparatus includes a wrench head with a swivel adapter, a combination handle and extension bar attachable to the swivel adapter, and a ratchet head. The wrench head includes a tubular member with a longitudinal slot, and an internal C-shaped brace dividing the tubular member into two sockets at opposite ends thereof. One socket includes six sides and five points and the other socket includes twenty sides and ten points, so that both sockets can securely grip all six sides of a nut or bolt. The points of one socket are offset radially relative to the points on the other socket for providing smaller increments in repositioning freedom. The swivel adapter pivotally attached between a pair of ears on the wrench head by a removable pin, so that it can be removed and attached between a like pair of ears on the ratchet head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventor: Floyd Thomas Turtle
  • Patent number: 6086481
    Abstract: A connector for a swing fixed on a frame rod and a swing arm of a swing includes a bearing, two protective covers and a connecting member which has a rectangular horizontal hollow portion for the frame rod to extend therein, and two vertical parallel ears extending down from the horizontal portion. The bearing is sandwiched within round portions of the two covers placed between the two ears and pivotally connected with a pivot pin passing through the ears, the round portions of the covers and the bearing. Each cover has a lower rectangular portion extending down from the round portion to fit around and secured with an upper end of a swing arm so that the swing arm may swing together about the covers with the pivot pin. Thus the connectors permit the swing arms to swing smoothly with little friction, thereby lessening wear of the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: Tzann-Shin Li
  • Patent number: 6074126
    Abstract: A structural interlock (40) for inhibiting relative rotation between mating elements (20, 42) characterized by a plurality of grooves (50) being formed in one of the mating elements, and a mechanism (60) for producing a nominal contact pressure on the contact area (A.sub.1 thru A.sub.8) between the mating element, which contact pressure elastically deforms the other of the mating elements into the grooves (50), and is less than the material yield strength of either of the mating elements. In the preferred embodiment, the grooves (50) are radially oriented and an applied compressive load produces a nominal contact pressure which is about 80% of the material yield strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
    Inventors: David H. Hunter, Francis E. Byrnes, Kevin S. French
  • Patent number: 6071032
    Abstract: A kingpin assembly for heavy duty vehicles having upper and lower yokes of a steering spindle knuckle straddling upper and lower sides of an end portion of an axle. The upper and lower steering spindle yokes have respective bores in registration with a bore in the axle end portion. A kingpin has a central portion fixedly secured within the axle bore, and has opposite, accurately machined and polished end portions disposed within respective upper and lower steering spindle yoke apertures. There is an annular gap between the peripheries of the kingpin end portions and the interior surfaces of the steering spindle yoke bores. An annular sleeve resides within the gap. A pair of roller bearings are mounted in spaced relation internally of the sleeve, with a grease reservoir being defined in the space between adjacent roller bearings. The roller bearings have an outer race mounted in a stationary position on the internal wall of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: American Roller Bushing Corporation
    Inventor: Larry R. Link
  • Patent number: 5971651
    Abstract: A coupler that provides a selectively releasable connection between first and second relatively movable members. Such a coupler has a receiver that is secured to the first relatively movable member. The receiver is bifurcated to present a gudgeon having laterally spaced, generally parallel, side walls. A socket is located in each side wall to be disposed in spaced opposition. Each socket has guide surfaces that flare outwardly from a first race to terminate in an entrance. The second relatively movable member presents a transversely oriented trunnion. The trunnion has bearing surfaces that are selectively insertable within the opposed sockets operatively to engage said first races. A generally U-shaped locking verification clip has a base wall and laterally spaced first and second side walls. A pair of pedestals extend from the base wall in laterally spaced, substantially parallel, disposition between the side walls. Each pedestal terminates in a second race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Steven W. Gornick, Michael A. Vancamp
  • Patent number: 5964253
    Abstract: The ends of two cables associated with a suspension lever in a negative dobby for controlling a common held frame are fixed in a ferrule of an eyelet which is shaped to engage a fastening section provided on a terminal edge of the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Staubli Faverges
    Inventor: Andre Fumex
  • Patent number: 5941011
    Abstract: Solid rod-shaped hinges and articles incorporating the same, such as collapsible sports articles, e.g., landing nets and snow sticks. A tubular landing net frame and handle incorporates at least three rod-shaped hinges. The hinge for the landing net comprises a cylindrical base element with locking shoulders on each end with pin rotatable, cylindrical and hooked extension elements. The extension elements have slots to accommodate the pins on the base element. Each extension element has a spring-loaded locking button for interacting with first locking apertures in the tubular net frame and handle. Each hook on the extension element is connected to a spring, anchored within the tubular frame. The folding procedure only requires a pull on the landing net frame at the joints to dislodge the locking buttons to expand the anchor springs and engage the locking buttons in second (limited in diameter) apertures of the tubular frame, thus to hold the net and handle in the folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventor: Monty R. Baker
  • Patent number: 5884647
    Abstract: A folding structure (16) has a plurality of elongated posts (18), with a plurality of tubular truss members (20). A plurality of connectors (22) are affixed to the elongated posts (18) vertically and the tubular truss members (20) horizontally together to form a fully assembled collapsible enclosure, that can be unfolded into a four sided framework to be utilized when needed and then can be folded up into a compact package to be stored when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: Abraham Dwek
  • Patent number: 5865557
    Abstract: Disclosed is a clevis of the type used with a digging bucket. The clevis is of the type having a pivot pin and a pin locking assembly. In the improvement, the pivot pin is cylindrical, has first and second opposing ends and at least one hole traversing the pin diameter. A first boss is affixed on the clevis around the first end and such boss has a plurality of key slots formed therein. A retaining ring is seated in each of the key slots and a first retaining pin extends through the hole and the retaining rings. Most preferably, the clevis has another boss at the pivot pin second end and another retaining pin extends through the pivot pin second end. A new method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Harnischfeger Corporation
    Inventor: Rikos A. Kasim
  • Patent number: 5842808
    Abstract: A spring-loaded hinge for a training golf club comprises first and second hinge members (10, 20) pivoted to each other by a transverse pivot pin (30). Member (10) has a tongue (13) terminating in a generally circular arc (14) having a depression (15) therein, and member (20) has a pair of arms (23, 24) forming a fork between which the tongue (13) of member (10) is received, the pivot pin (30) passing through both arms and the tongue. Member (20) has an axial bore (25) containing a spring-loaded detent element (27) which bears against the circular arc (14) and engages in the depression (15). Member (20) is threaded externally at (43) towards the end opposite the pivot pin (30) and is slotted at (41) in the same region to provide communication with the bore (25) containing the spring (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: George Arthur James Potter
    Inventors: George Arthur James Potter, Michael Godfrey Harman
  • Patent number: 5813788
    Abstract: A coupling for a vehicle steering unit includes a first linking section including two leg portions extending from a hub portion and a second linking section including two wings extending from and integrated to the hub portion and protrusions on the wings pierced with holes for the passage of a tightening bolt for tightening the wings to bear radially on a shaft. The wings are terminated at a longitudinal slot extending substantially in parallel to an axis of rotation of the coupling. This longitudinal slot is wide enough to allow the passage of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Fuji Kiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshimi Yamamoto, Gunnar Eriksson
  • Patent number: 5807007
    Abstract: Misalignment accommodating connector assembly for removably connecting first and second objects which may comprise: a first connector subassembly (10) having an arm member (11) extending therefrom transversely through which is provided a tubular member (12); a second connector subassembly (20) having a pair of spaced apart arm members (21,22) each of which is provided with a transversely disposed coaxially aligned semi-cylindrical recess (24,25) for receiving opposite ends of the first connector tubular member (12) upon lateral insertion of the first connector arm member (11) into the space (23) between the second connector pair of arm members (21,22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Jack S. Stemper
  • Patent number: 5791809
    Abstract: Apparatus comprising a first member including first and second member engagement surfaces, a second member, a pin pivotally connecting the first and second members, the pin having a longitudinal axis and opposite ends, and a retainer for retaining the pin in position relative to the first and second members, the retainer having a center of gravity and including first and second retainer engagement surfaces, the retainer being movable relative to the first member between a retaining position and a non-retaining position so that, when the retainer is in the retaining position, the first and second member engagement surfaces respectively engage the first and second retainer engagement surfaces to limit axial movement of the retainer relative to the first member, the retainer covers one end of the pin and thereby limits axial movement of the pin relative to the first member, the retainer has a point of engagement with the first member, and the position of the center of gravity relative to the point of engagement
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Harnischfeger Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jay C. Bessey
  • Patent number: 5769557
    Abstract: Past pin joint assemblies attaching a lift arm to a construction machine have utilized grease lubricated pins. Deflection of the pins during operation caused damage to both the pin and surrounding structure. Additionally, the use of grease requires daily lubrication schedules. The present invention overcomes these and other problems by providing an oil sealed pin joint assembly which virtual eliminates daily lubrication needs. A pin is utilized with a variable profile including first and second end portions which diverge inwardly from a first predetermined diameter and terminate at a second predetermined diameter. The second diameter is in substantial axial alignment with a contact surface of a first and second collar with first and second bearing assemblies, respectively. The pin diverges outwardly from the second diameter and terminates at a third predetermined diameter. A plurality of radii blendingly interconnect the first, second and third diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Beals, Timothy A. Vik
  • Patent number: 5722784
    Abstract: A kingpin assembly for heavy duty vehicles having upper and lower yokes of a steering spindle knuckle straddling upper and lower sides of an end portion of an axle. The upper and lower steering spindle yokes have respective bores in registration with a bore in the axle end portion. A kingpin has a central portion fixedly secured within the axle bore, and has opposite, accurately machined and polished end portions disposed within respective upper and lower steering spindle yoke apertures. There is an annular gap between the peripheries of the kingpin end portions and the interior surfaces of the steering spindle yoke bores. An annular sleeve resides within the gap. A pair of roller bearings are mounted in spaced relation internally of the sleeve, with a grease reservoir being defined in the space between adjacent roller bearings. The roller bearings have an outer race mounted in a stationary position on the internal wall of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: American Roller Bushing Corporation
    Inventor: Larry R. Link
  • Patent number: 5707166
    Abstract: The invention relates to a toothbrush (10), the brushneck (12) of which, connected to an exchangeable brushhead, is deflectably held, in a reversible, resilient manner, on a hollow handle (14) by a swivel joint (18) surrounded by a sealing element (16). The brushneck (12) is provided at its coupling end (20) facing the handle (14) with an articulated head (22). The handle exhibits at its coupling end (24) facing the brushneck (12) an articulated fork (26), between whose fork legs (28, 30) an articulated head (22) of the brushneck (12) is fitted-in and connected by a swivel axle (32). The sealing element (16) consists of a pressure-elastic material. The articulated fork (26) is itself of tension-elastic configuration, so that the sealing element (16) is held by the articulated fork (26) under elastic pre-tension between the mutually opposite coupling ends (20, 24) of the handle (14) and of the brushneck (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Roland Jeannet, Robert Leutwyler, Werner Leutwyler
  • Patent number: 5634857
    Abstract: The proximal and distal parts of a golf club shaft that has been cut into two parts are pivotally interconnected to one another and are releasably lockable into any one of a plurality of different positions of angular adjustment by a device having a proximal end and a distal end that are interlockable to one another. The proximal end of the device includes a sleeve that nonreleasably receives the proximal end of the golf club shaft and the distal end of the device includes a sleeve that nonreleasably receives the distal end of the shaft. The device includes a middle part having a first face plate formed by the proximal end of the device and a second face plate formed by the distal end of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Inventors: Richard L. Bradshaw, Robert M. Bryan, John Thorniley
  • Patent number: 5628577
    Abstract: Wrist pin for a two-piece piston, having a cylindrical external surface (41) and an internal surface with an internal diameter, throughout the length of the pin (40). The end portions of the pin have a reduced internal wall thickness between the outer half of the supporting face of the bosses (50), where there exclusively occur bending moment and shearing force applied by the inertia of the skirt (20) and of the moving assembly (100). The reduction in the internal wall thickness is obtained by the increase in the internal diameter of the pin (40) at the end portions, through two different end revolution surfaces (43, 44) each having respective a generatrix which is at least substantially straight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Metal Leve S.A. Industria E Comercio
    Inventors: Jose Do Ribeiro, Luis M. Lopes, Jose M. Leites
  • Patent number: 5611135
    Abstract: A method of making a tube yoke for a drive line assembly is provided. The tube yoke is a unitary element and has a tube seat at one end for mating with a driveshaft tube, and lug ears at the other end for connecting with a universal joint assembly. The method includes forging a body of metal into a net shape body of the tube yoke with a single die-punching stroke, and subjecting the tube seat of the net shape body to a draw and iron operation to form the tube seat into its final pre-assembly form and shape, having a tube seat at one end and lug ears at the other end without machining of the tube seat. The lug ears are machined to enable connection with the universal joint assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Douglas E. Breese
  • Patent number: 5580180
    Abstract: A clamp yoke formed from a flat piece of metal. The flat piece being approximately T-shaped which is bent into the clamp yoke. The top portion of the T forming the yoke ears and the vertical portion forming two approximately parallel shaft portions. The yoke ears each having a bearing bore and the shaft portions each having a shaft receiving bore. The clamp yoke can be provided with a bolt having a reduced diameter middle which allows a shaft to be inserted into the shaft receiving bores without removing the bolt. The bolt is then tightened, drawing the larger diameter portion into the center of the clamp yoke where the bolt engages a transversely relieved portion on the shaft to axially retain the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: The Torrington Company
    Inventors: James G. DeBisschop, William E. Korzan
  • Patent number: 5577858
    Abstract: An apparatus such as a digging bucket has a clevis device pivotably connected thereto by a pin held in place by a pin-retaining structure. The clevis includes a plurality of arcuate, lip-like, outwardly-radially-projecting first retention members and the structure includes a cap portion having a plurality of arcuate, lip-like, inwardly-radially-projecting second retention members. Each second retention member engages and "locks" to a separate first retention member. The cap portion, which interferes with free axial travel of the pin, is well secured so that the pin is retained in engagement with the clevis without welding the pin. Avoiding pin welding permits using a substantially-harder pin, resulting in significantly better wear characteristics. A new method for retaining a pin is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Harnischfeger Corporation
    Inventors: Rikos A. Kasim, Darryl R. Immel
  • Patent number: 5575581
    Abstract: A clamp yoke formed from a flat piece of metal. The flat piece being approximately T-shaped which is bent into the clamp yoke. The top portion of the T forming the yoke ears and the vertical portion forming two approximately parallel shaft portions. The yoke ears each having a bearing bore and the shaft portions each having a shaft receiving bore. The clamp yoke can be provided with a bolt having a reduced diameter middle which allows a shaft to be inserted into the shaft receiving bores without removing the bolt. The bolt is then tightened, drawing the larger diameter portion into the center of the clamp yoke where the bolt engages a transversely relieved portion on the shaft to axially retain the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: The Torrington Company
    Inventor: James G. DeBisschop
  • Patent number: 5556222
    Abstract: A quick release mechanism includes a cylindrical rod having two opposed ends and an intermediate portion formed with a diametrically extending screw hole. A mounting shaft has first and second threaded ends. A locking nut is connected to the second threaded end of the mounting shaft. A manually operated lever has an end portion and a pair of spaced lugs which extend longitudinally from the end portion and which are formed with aligned eccentric holes that receive respectively the opposed ends of the cylindrical rod therein. Each of the lugs has a cam edge. A pressing member has a concave surface in contact with the cam edges of the manually operated lever and a generally U-shaped connecting member which has two distal ends extending integrally from the surface of the pressing member. The connecting member and the pressing member cooperatively define therebetween an oblong receiving space for receiving the cylindrical rod therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventor: Chun-Hsung Chen
  • Patent number: 5525001
    Abstract: A clamping apparatus used for improving the fastening of a mounting projection between proximal and distal flanges of a clevis. The proximal flange of the clevis has a hole, an inner side facing the distal flange, and an outer side. The clamping apparatus includes a threaded clamping plug sized to fit in the hole in the proximal flange and to abut the mounting projection when the clamping plug is in the hole in the proximal flange and the mounting projection is between the two flanges. Another embodiment is an apparatus for fastening a mounting projection to a structure. The fastening apparatus includes a clevis attached to the structure, the clevis having a proximal flange and a distal flange. The proximal and distal flanges each have a hole, an inner side, and an outer side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: David J. Perkins
  • Patent number: 5515754
    Abstract: The rotary wrist motion hand tool of the present invention includes a grip member having an insert and a bit holder having an attachment member. The attachment member has one end formed by two opposed prongs with a recess between the prongs for slidingly receiving one end of the insert. Both prongs have apertures through their centers which are aligned with a hole in the insert. The insert and the attachment member are rotatably attached by passing a pin through the apertures of the prongs and the hole of the insert. In circumstances requiring high torque, the operator may manually rotate the grip member of the hand tool ninety degrees so that the longitudinal axes of the insert and the attachment member are perpendicular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Quentin L. Elkins
  • Patent number: 5466085
    Abstract: A pivotable joint usable, for instance, with a multi-legged machine tool, is disclosed. The basic design of the joint includes a central block to which is connected a first yoke pivotably mounted for motion about one axis. A second yoke is also pivotably mounted to the central block for motion about a second axis. The central block includes an opening extending therethrough between two surfaces, and the cross-sectional area of the opening decreases towards the central region of the block. This type of opening permits the use of an extensible mounting leg having a rod that moves through the opening during pivoting of the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Giddings & Lewis, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul C. Sheldon, Edward E. Kirkham
  • Patent number: 5466082
    Abstract: A linear in-line safety shackle device includes a first connecting member engaging a first cable, a second connecting member engaging a second cable, and a device for releasibly securing the first connecting member with the second connecting member. Further provided is at least one safety cable which prevents premature complete separation of the first connecting member from the second connecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventor: James R. Sherar
  • Patent number: 5458647
    Abstract: A finger joint prosthesis for metacarpalphalangeal and interphalangeal joints is provided including two diaphyseal parts which are implantable in the phalangeal and/or metacarpal bones and are fixed to a pivotable joint. The joint includes a female cap, a male cap, a shaft force fitted into two openings in the female cap and extending through an opening in the male cap, and a collar surrounding the shaft in the male cap. The joint also includes two side flanges which hold disks for holding the collar in place. The female and male caps and the side flanges are made of titanium alloy while the collar, the shaft, and the disks are made of pyrocarbon so that friction during rotation of the joint occurs only between components that are made of pyrocarbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Michel Brochier, Jacques Gaidry, Claude Moreau, Franccois Moutet, Rene Ranc
  • Patent number: 5445470
    Abstract: The present invention is an attachment mechanism with a positive lock to attach two components together in a confined and blind area. The attachment mechanism, attached to a first component, has in one embodiment, a clevis, while the second component has a knuckle to fit into the clevis and is to be pinned through a passageway through the clevis locking the second component. A U-shaped bracket adjacent to the clevis has sidewalls, the sidewalls having a passageway that aligns with a pin passageway, the pin is locked by inserting a tab lock through the pin and the U-shaped bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Gary A. Schirtzinger
  • Patent number: 5386680
    Abstract: An implement includes a clevis assembly connected to the forward end of the implement hitch for limited fore-and-aft movement to permit holes in the clevis and of a tractor drawbar to become aligned for receiving a hitch pin, a latch then being operable to prevent further fore-and-aft movement of the clevis. First and second parallel legs of the clevis are provided with holes in which are received first and second bushing portions respectively of first and second jaws. The bushing portion of the first jaw is threaded and the hitch pin has a threaded end received therein, the pin being operable to move the first jaw towards the second jaw so that the jaws may tightly clamp a drawbar located therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Henry Friesen
  • Patent number: 5376199
    Abstract: A composite filament reinforced clevis includes a pair of apertured ends and a central hub area with a pair of clevis arms extending between the hub area and the apertured ends. The clevis is fabricated by winding reinforcing filaments around a pair of end mandrels and toward the central hub area. The end mandrels and the filaments wound thereon are rotated relative to the central hub area to a collinear orientation. The reinforcing filaments are cured with a bonding matrix while in the rotated orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: William D. Humphrey, Alan G. Reiners
  • Patent number: 5362170
    Abstract: A monobloc coupling is formed from a sheet and is adapted to be connected, on the one hand, to a torque transmitting device, and on the other hand, to a receiving device. This coupling includes three sections along an axis. A linking section for lining the coupling with the torque transmitting device is provided and includes a hub which is axially split and which is connected to the torque transmitting device by a fastening unit. An intermediate section is provided and is formed with two claws having longitudinal rims. The rims have complementary profiles which fit together and absorb the stresses on the coupling unit. An angle is formed between two claws 6 and 7 so that the rims fit one another. A linking section 3 for linking the coupling with the receiving device is provided and includes linking or fastening legs. The coupling is useful in the steering units of automotive vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: NACAM
    Inventor: Laurent Fevre
  • Patent number: 5277427
    Abstract: The club has a hinge interposed on a shaft between the hand grip and club head, the hinge allowing the shaft to articulate about thirty degrees in both a front and back direction from the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The hinge has a female and male member. The female member is in the form of a yoke with a bore at the end of each yoke side arm. The male member has a body portion through which a bore passes and which is axially aligned with the bores of the yoke side arms. A pivot pin passes through these bores to provide the pivot point of the hinge. A U-shaped spring is attached to the female member interior to the yoke side arms. A ball bearing in a projecting nose of the male member rotates along the interior side arms of the spring. The ends of the female member side arms have pairs of oppositely directed ramps providing a stop along an outer shelf on each side of the male member body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Inventors: Robert M. Bryan, Geroge A. Potter
  • Patent number: 5275499
    Abstract: A coupling for connecting a movable link member of a valve actuator assembly to a movable valve spool in a fluid control valve includes a swivel spud secured to the end of the valve spool. The swivel spud has a semi-spherical outer end surface and first and second transverse apertures formed therethrough. A first cylindrical pin is retained within the first aperture of the swivel spud. The actuator assembly further includes a movable inner piston having an end portion, which is generally hollow and cylindrical in shape, and a pair of opposed apertures formed therethrough. The semi-spherical outer end surface of the swivel spud is received within the hollow end portion of the inner actuator piston. A second pin is retained in the opposed apertures of the inner actuator piston, extending through the second aperture of the swivel spud. When the inner actuator piston is moved in one direction, the pins engage one another to effect movement of the valve spool in that direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin L. Shinler
  • Patent number: 5265511
    Abstract: A pivot assembly for mounting an operating member on a base member for pivotal movement about an axis at an optimum axial position comprising: a pivot shaft having an axis, a base member and an operating member having axially opposable first and second inner surfaces respectively, a first mounting apparatus for mounting one of the members at a fixed axial position on the pivot shaft, and a second mounting apparatus for mounting the other member on the pivot shaft for relative rotational movement, and for axial movement to a position where the first and second inner surfaces axially oppose each other with an axial space therebetween, and the other member is at the optimum axial position. The second mounting apparatus includes, a pair of compressible disk springs mounted to be in a biased condition when the other member is at the optimum axial position. The disk springs constantly tend to move the other member in one axial direction away from the optimum position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventor: Andrew L. Itzov
  • Patent number: 5230229
    Abstract: For an articulation of a vibration damper for a washing machine the vibration damper has an articulated bush supported in a bearing. The latter has cheeks accommodating between them the articulated bush and having inlets for a bearing body leading to a bearing opening. The bearing body is retained in the bearing openings by means of an elastic locking mechanism in the direction of the inlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Assignee: Suspa Compart Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ludwig Stadelmann, Dieter Mayer
  • Patent number: 5209693
    Abstract: Toy building blocks of the type having an array of sockets on one principal face and a matching array of projections on the opposite face that can be wedged into the sockets of another block are also joinable in an end to end relationship which enables lateral pivoting of one block in either direction relative to the block with which it is linked. In the preferred form, the opposite ends of the blocks are linkable to still other blocks in a manner which enables pivoting or flexing in an orthogonal direction. This enables assembly of interlocking blocks into a greater variety of different constructions and enables pivoting of linked portions of an assembled construction in a greater number of different directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Fantasy Toys, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald L. Lyman
  • Patent number: 5188474
    Abstract: A universal joint yoke comprises: (a) a generally cylindrical connecting part made by press-forming a metal plate and having internal peripheral serrations, a first end portion at which edges of the metal plate are brought into abutment to form a tubular abutting part, a second end portion with a pair of flanges disposed at opposite sides of an axial gap and facing one another substantially in parallel, and a pair of reentrant cut-outs with a respective one of the cut-outs being disposed between each flange and the abutting part, and (b) a pair of diametrically opposed connecting arms integrally formed with the first end portion of the connecting part and extending axially outwardly from the first end portion of the connecting part. One of the flanges is provided with a tapped hole and the other of the flanges is provided with a through-hole coaxial with the tapered hole for passing a bolt to be screwed inito the tapped hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Assignee: Nippon Seiko Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Ohkubo, Hiroshi Sekine
  • Patent number: 5154382
    Abstract: An angle adjusting mechanism between a first member placeable on a support post and a second member to which a support standard is attached for adjusting the angle of the standard with respect to the post. The first member having first and second spaced apart support walls. The second member having a third support wall disposed between the first and second walls. At least one friction plate at each side of the third wall and between the first and second walls. A holding metal fitting at the side of one friction plate and engageable with the inside of the second support wall, the holding metal fitting being moveable toward and away from the second wall and being prevented from moving across the second wall. A bolt and nut connection pulling the first and second support walls toward each other. The holding metal fitting uniformly distributing the compressive force around the friction plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Assignee: Hoshino Gakki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiki Hoshino
  • Patent number: 5143124
    Abstract: A system for fastening the drawing cables on the suspension levers of textile dobbies of the negative type, wherein the levers include flanges to which mounting eyes connected to the cables are secured. The cables are guided in grooves formed in a bearing pad which is cooperatively seated against the outer edge of the levers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Assignee: S. A. Des Etablissements Staubli (France)
    Inventor: Jean-Paul Froment
  • Patent number: 5096150
    Abstract: A clamp device adapted to clampingly engage items for support or connection of such items to another device or to clampingly engage a support or item for connection therewith having the clamping component constructed of plastic material capable of being injection molded and utilizing a "living hinge" connecting the pivotal clamp components to a main body portion of the clamp device with the plastic material optionally incorporating memory characteristics so that the clamping components or jaws will flex back to their originally molded open or closed positions. The clamp device also may be provided with interchangeable jaws or clamp components to enable effective size variation in the area to be embraced or encompassed by the clamping components or jaws. The clamp device also may be a vibration proof clamp associated with a thumb nut type actuating nut in the form of a ratchet arrangement to secure the clamping nut in adjusted position to prevent it from loosening due to vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Inventor: Samuel M. Westwood
  • Patent number: 5092568
    Abstract: A coil spring device comprises a coil spring formed of a spiral wire having a first end and a second end, a first end support mechanism supporting the first end of the wire, and a second end support mechanism supporting the second end of the wire. The paired support mechanisms are movable relatively to each other in the axial direction of the coil spring. The first support mechanism supports the first end of the wire for rotation only around a first diametrical axis which extends toward a coil central axis. The second support mechanism supports the second end of the wire for rotation only around a second diametrical axis which extends toward the central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiro Tachikawa, Toshio Hamano
  • Patent number: 5090834
    Abstract: A first of two members which are joined in a manner to undergo synchronous rotation is formed with a aperture which has a flower-like shape and which has a periphery which is essentially free of sharply angled portions. A hollow projection formed on one end of a shaft is forced into the aperture and then punched to assume the shape of the aperture and to caulk the two members together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: Fuji Kiko Company, Limited
    Inventor: Yoshimi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 5069238
    Abstract: A pivotable joint and a joint locking mechanism for a foldable frame apparatus are disclosed. The joint comprises mating male and female joint members mounted to the ends of tubular frame members and pivotably connected together to form oppositely articulatable joints of a foldable frame useful for tent enclosures and the like. A one-piece joint locking mechanism made of wire is provided for locking the joint in its erected or folded positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Inventor: Lloyd A. Marks
  • Patent number: 5018899
    Abstract: A yoke for universal joint is composed of a cylindrical coupling tube formed by pressing a metal plate and having a slit in a radial direction and serrate grooves on the internal periphery; a pair of flanges integrally formed at an end of the coupling tube and positioned on both sides of the slit; and a coupling arm formed by pressing a metal plate. One of the flanges has a screw hole, while the other flange has a hole, coaxial with the screw hole, for passing a bolt to be screwed into the screw hole. The coupling arm has a penetrating hole in the base portion, and mutually coaxial circular holes at its opposite ends. The yoke is assembled by fitting the other end of the coupling tube into the penetrating hole in the base portion, and connecting the other end of the coupling tube with the base portion of the coupling arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Assignee: Nippon Seiko Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ritsuo Kuribara, Kiyoshi Okubo, Koichi Yokoi, Kiyoshi Sadakata
  • Patent number: 5014754
    Abstract: Attachment for guard plates in weaving machines, characterized in that it essentially consists of at least three couplings (3), each formed by a cylinder-shaped element (4) which is attached to the guard plate (1), and a seating (5) which is mounted to the frame (2) of the weaving machine and which closes flexibly round the cylinder-shaped element (4), whereby at least one coupling (3) is situated at the top of the guard plate (1), whose cylinder-shaped element (4) has a vertical or almost vertical axis (6), and whereby at least two couplings (3) are situated at the bottom of the guard plate (1), whose cylinder-shaped elements (4) have horizontal or almost horizontal axes (7) in line with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Assignee: Picanol N.V.
    Inventors: Michel Vandeweghe, Willy Vanheule